ramp questions
 

well, a few of em. Ive been stationed here in NJ at manasquan inlet for 3 years. This is my last summer before i transfer to god only knows. Ive only launched out of shark river or manasquan. In the spring the fuel goes pretty quick running up to the hook for stripers. Ive heard alot about atlantic highlands, so i took a ride up there today.

It looks like a nice part of town, i looked at the ramp on google earth, but when i got there the parking lot is gated off, and there is just a sign that read boats over 30' are 35$, how much is the usual boat launch, is it a nice launch, is the parking lot guarded, and do they also charge to park?

also when driving home i seen a sign for leonardo ramp, so i took a detour, there is no guard or gates on the launch, or a sign with a price. it deff dont look as nice or big at AH but i only have a 20' boat. Are there any other ramps close by, any free ones in that area, ive only found 2 free ramps in MSQ. any help would be much apprecated, also oppinions.

thanks a bunch guys. cant wait for the spring run

Re: ramp questions
 

so, no one launches there i take it

Re: ramp questions
 

Not sure if there are any free ramps in the area. As far as the ramp at Leonardo, theres is a drop off at the end of the ramp. During low tide people with larger boats have drop into the drop off to launch or retrieve their boats. It gives some people a problem but if you're a 20 footer you should be fine.

Got this on the Leonardo ramp from the states website:


New Jersey Resident $20.00 per Launch.
Non-Resident $25.00 per Launch.
Daily New Jersey Resident $170.00
Non-Resident $200.00
Annual

Re: ramp questions
 

AH -- there's a sign on the side of the "guard" building for rates. Parking lot is NOT guarded and no cost for parking. Cost depends on when you launch -- after 4, during the week is the cheapest. Weekends/Holidays are more.

It's winter time, so expect minimul to zero personel at a lot of the ramps.

Re: ramp questions
 

leonardo ramp do not go at low tide!!! launch around low doable....but do not try to retrieve at low ,it is a nightmare

Re: ramp questions
 

As Gerry said there are few free ramps ( an I have not found them). Towing boats in to most all of them - all are per use charges or seasonal permits-

West to east (Raritan Bay- then south)
SAYREVILLE
SEWAREN
SOUTH AMBOY
ZUBACHS- Morgan
KEYPORT
KEANSBURG

GREAT KILLS- NY

LEONARDO

ATLANTIC HIGHLAND MUNICIPAL

Rumson (Navesink)
Fair Haven (Navesink)
Red Bank (Navesink)

Monmouth Beach (Shrewsbury)
Fort Monmouth (Shrewsbury)
Oceanport (Shrewsbury)
and a few others in The Shrewsbury

The yearly fee is about $100 or 200 in some places which you must buy days before using it.

And many really suck at low tide. South Amboy the who approach channel is shallow. Fair Haven ramp you must back the tow vehicle into water just to launch a 14' tin boat and pay them a yearly fee.

PM me if you would like more specifics? Like I said, over the year I have people into most all of these ramps all the way up to Fort Lee Ramp under the GW Bridge.

Re: ramp questions
 

Just be careful at the AH ramp. Me and my bros launch our 21fter there every April and that ramp can get super slick. A little too much oomph on the throttle and you might be launching your truck there too.

Re: ramp questions
 

Yup.

Low tide on a moon day and you get the ramp slime that is underwater 98% of the time. Get some momentum and nothing is stopping gravity- truck trailer n all.

Re: ramp questions
 

There is a Free Ramp in Long Branch on the river. Quite a ride up to the Hook but if you want to fish the river you can put in there.

I have a 17 footer. I have used Leonardo no problem. Atlantic Highlands looks tough for a solo launch.

Re: ramp questions
 

I don't have the link but you could probably Google ramps for NJ. I believe it's published by the state.